World to Witness Longest Solar Eclipse in a Century on August 2

New Delhi  The world is preparing to witness an awe-inspiring celestial event on August 2, 2027 a solar eclipse that experts are calling the longest and most extraordinary of the past 100 years. Stretching across continents, this rare eclipse will begin its journey over the Atlantic Ocean and travel through parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East before ending near the Arabian Peninsula. The spectacle is already generating global buzz among scientists, eclipse enthusiasts, and curious skywatchers alike.

What sets this solar eclipse apart is its extraordinary duration. At its peak, the totality the phase where the Moon completely covers the Sun—will last more than 7 minutes in some regions. That’s far above the average 2–3 minutes seen in most solar eclipses. During this time, daylight will transform into dusk-like darkness, temperatures may dip, and the stars might briefly appear, creating a surreal, almost mystical atmosphere.

Astronomers have been mapping and predicting the path of this eclipse for decades. According to the forecast, the eclipse will make its greatest impact over parts of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Countries such as Algeria, Libya, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia will be in the prime viewing path. Observatories in these regions are already preparing for a massive influx of scientists and tourists. Specialized tours and eclipse-chasing events are being organized for those wanting to experience this phenomenon under the best possible conditions.

But what about India? Will Indian viewers be able to witness this once-in-a-lifetime solar show? Unfortunately, experts say that the eclipse will not be visible in its full glory from the Indian subcontinent. Some parts of western India may observe a partial eclipse, but it won’t compare to the dramatic total eclipse experienced elsewhere. Despite this, many Indians are planning to travel to locations in North Africa and the Middle East to see the eclipse firsthand.

The last solar eclipse of comparable duration occurred over 100 years ago, making this event a truly historic milestone in astronomical observation. The next such long eclipse is not expected for several more decades. For scientists, the eclipse presents a rare opportunity to study the Sun’s corona, the outermost layer that is usually hidden by its overwhelming brightness. During totality, the corona becomes visible, offering insights into solar activity and helping improve predictions of space weather.

Public awareness campaigns are being launched globally to inform people on how to safely view the eclipse. Experts warn that looking directly at the Sun even during a partial eclipse can cause serious eye damage. Proper eclipse glasses or solar filters are essential for safe viewing.

Whether you are watching it from a bustling city in Saudi Arabia or via livestream from the comfort of your home, August 2 is set to be a date where the universe reminds us just how extraordinary and humbling our place in the cosmos truly is.